Familiarity breeding contempt for Stamps

'Once we're on the field, we are enemies'

The Calgary Stampeders celebrate Sunday after winning the CFL Western final against the B.C. Lions at Vancouver's BC Place.

Photograph by: Ward Perrin, PNG
, Vancouver Sun

CALGARY -- This is kind of like heading off to a high school reunion to see all your old best buds who kept beating you to inviting the hottest girl to the dance.

"They got our number right now -- they HAD our number, I should say -- but that's just a little bit more motivation, just gives us a little more p--- and vinegar to go and get after it," reasoned Calgary Stampeders' defensive tackle Corey Mace on Monday morning, as equipment bags were being readied for the trip to Toronto and the 100th Grey Cup game.

"And what bigger stage to do it on?

"We're definitely not scared. We're not nervous. We've just got to lock in. We've had a bunch of mental errors when we've played Toronto in the past. But we'll clean those up.

"We haven't won in Toronto in a while? Well, we hadn't won in B.C. in a while, either.

"Like you said, they have taken a few in a row off us now, but if we can go in on Grey Cup Sunday and beat 'em in their house in the big game, I'm OK with that."

As the pre-kickoff hype begins to slowly amp up for Grey Cup Sunday, subplots abound.

Starting with the five straight wins the Argos have enjoyed over Calgary, dating back to the 2010 season opener at McMahon Stadium, including three on the trot at Rogers Centre (the Argos won 39-36 at home and 22-14 at McMahon this season).

Then shifting focus to the avalanche of former Stamps, from wideout Ken-Yon Rambo to linebacker Robert McCune, from defensive co-ordinator Chris Jones to the controversial Brandon Isaac, from O-lineman Tony Washington to linebacker Tristan Black, from DB Ahmad Carroll to GM Jim Barker, that lie in wait for them in The Big Smoke.

"We played Toronto earlier this year and we were 0-2 against 'em," reasoned defensive end Charleston Hughes. "But that was early in the season and we were still trying to find our identity as a team. We've done that. They're going to play a whole different team this week.

"It'll be quite the game. A real intense game. We're playing against a lot of ex-teammates, our ex-defensive co-ordinator, our ex-GM. Pretty much top to bottom.

That familiarity gives this historic Grey Cup more of a divisional rivalry feel than most.

"Oh yeah, there's going to be a lot of energy, a lot of emotion, a lot of animosity, a lot of tension," agreed Stamps' defensive back Brandon Smith.

"They have a lot of guys who were here last year or before. I'm still good friends with those guys. I don't have a problem with them. But once we're on the field, we are enemies. Before the game and after, we can laugh and joke, talk about old times. During the game, all business.

"We've got a nasty taste in our mouth from the two losses earlier this year. We've only won one against them in the last three years, right?

"So, we have some payback on our minds. And this is the best time to do it."

And if there weren't enough actual former mates involved, how about the presence of the honorary Stampeder nemesis, Argo quarterback Ricky Ray?

Frito Ray, the longtime Edmonton Eskimos' string-puller, and the Stamps are apparently destined to follow each other around into infinity, playing high-stakes poker against one another.

"Seems like, doesn't it?" mused Mace. "Ricky's a helluva quarterback. We have great respect for him, obviously. He's had a lot of great battles against this organization in the past. That's why it feels so good to hit Ricky."

And there are even more subplots.

Breaking the Argos' recent stronghold. Watching Stamps' offensive co-ordinator Dave Dickenson play a kind of live-action game of Stratego against Jones. Trying to keep McCune away from Jon Cornish, the blitzing Isaac away from Kevin Glenn. Spending yet another afternoon in dogged pursuit of Ray.

Getting those bragging rights Charleston Hughes mentioned.

"Jonesy went out there and got the people he wanted," shrugged Mace. "B.I. and Hammer (McCune) are good friends of mine. But I've got a lot more friends in this locker-room. We're on the verge of doing something really special together and that's a bond that lasts forever.

"The Argos deserve to be there, though. From the beginning, I said Toronto would be the team coming out of (the East). Explosive offence with a great quarterback, a Jonesy defence, great special teams led by Chad (Owens). They're pretty solid in all phases. Just as we are.

"Hometown team involved. A lot of old teammates lining up against one another. It's good.